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Bulletin articles
Noble-Mindedness
In Acts 17.1-9, Paul visited the city of Thessalonica. Just like those in Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra (Acts 13-14), the vast majority of those in Thessalonica rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From there he and Silas traveled to Berea and immediately began preaching Jesus in that city (Acts 17.10). The experience there was much different than in Thessalonica.
Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. (Acts 17.11-12)
By comparison, those in Berea were “more noble-minded” than those Paul had encountered in Thessalonica. The New King James Version says they were “more fair-minded;” the New International Version reads “of more noble character.” What was it about them that warranted such high praise? The text tells us. “For they” (verse 11) indicates the reason behind the commendation.
They “received the word with great eagerness.”
When Paul and Silas preached, these people seized the opportunity to hear the Word of God proclaimed. They “received” — took in, learned, took hold of — God’s Word “with great eagerness.” This implies willingness, inclination, and zeal on their part. Preaching of the Word was clearly something for which they yearned and for which they were grateful.
If we, like the Bereans, are going to be considered “noble-minded,” then we must also long for and diligently receive preaching from the Scriptures. As James exhorted, “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls” (James 1.21).
“Examining the Scriptures daily…”
But these people did not just blindly accept the words of Paul and Silas as truth. Instead they searched, examined, investigated, scrutinized, and enquired into the Scriptures “daily” — which implies diligence and zeal — “to see whether these things were so.” They wanted to know the truth, and they were willing to put considerable time and effort into studying the Scriptures to verify the accuracy of what they heard.
To be noble-minded, we must do the same. As Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent [study, KJV] to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2.15).
“Therefore many of them believed.”
When these Bereans learned that they had heard the truth, they accepted it. Even though it would mean great changes in their lives, they had the courage to believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And true Biblical belief demands obedience (James 2.14-26; Acts 16.30-34; Mark 16.16). These people made a commitment to follow Jesus as Lord and to obey His will.
If you are going to be truly noble-minded like those in Berea, you must believe and obey the truth contained in the Word of God — nothing more, nothing less. If it’s there, will you have the courage to accept and obey it? If it’s not, will you have the courage to reject it? Resolve within yourself today to do His will and only His will.
- 20240303_Noble-Mindedness.pdf (614.47 kB)
